189 The Winner

CHAPTER 189

Although most people were already saddened at the supposed defeat of Cullen at the initial stage, as they thought that no one could rival the hunting Prince. 

Who would have thought that Cullen's skill in archery would actually pave the way for him to win?

"Young General Cullen, three hits and Crown Prince Owen, two hits," another soldier announced loud, the smile etched deep in his face.

At the declaration, Owen's frown deepened, shooting a cold glare at the soldier who just indirectly declared the winner. 

At the announcement, the soldiers jubilated, shouting and hailing Cullen at the top of their voice. "Congratulations!" a small voice called out from afar.

A moment later, King Bayard arrived on his horse. Riding alongside him was Gerald, Cyrena, and two other Generals.

The moment they got to where they were, all the shouting stopped. They all bowed down upon the king's arrival.

"My Young General!"

"Your Majesty!" Owen said and quickly bowed before Bayard.

"Congratulations to you two," Bayard said, his grin widening as she stared fondly at the two young men in front of him.

"Thank you, father."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"The challenges have come to an end. As we all know, there can only be a winner. Judging from the number of boars killed by each participant, Cullen Valerio won the Hunting Challenge, earning him two wins amongst the three challenges."

As he spoke, Cyrena inched closer to her father's side on her horse. Her eyes were filled with admiration for Cullen as her gaze wandered to where he was, on his horse.

Owen caught this and snickered in his mind. 'And what is she doing here?' he asked in his mind.

"And the winner is, Cullen Valerio."

"Yayyy!"

An eruption of cheers, shouts and clap reverberated everywhere in the forest where they stood. The expressions seen on the faces of the soldiers, showed so much joy and happiness as they expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the challenge.

"In accordance with the basis of this challenge, Cullen would be your trainer, Owen."

It felt like a bomb exploded on Owen the minute Bayard finished his speech. He still lost after everything.

"And to you, son, I am proud. You put in so much effort into this. Keep this up and you would have an even brighter future." The smile on Bayard's face widened as he stared at his son.

"Thank you, father," Owen replied with a gloomy face.

'Yes, keep this up and the ministers won't have an edge over you.' Bayard thought to himself. He turned his horse and then rode away.

Gerald's gaze moved to Owen's direction and he said, "Cheer up my Prince. Your father is proud. You did well."

"Ahem!"

Cullen and Owen turned towards Cyrena, her hand inches away from her mouth as she averted her gaze to the side.

"Feel free to laugh all you want, Cyrena. I know you want to."

"And why would I, brother? After all, father did praise you this time," She said with a straight face, a hint of a smile hung on her lips as she spoke up. 

"Besides, I think turning down your offer to teach me was right. I would rather have Cullen teach me, so I can best you both when the time comes, hahaha."

She laughed away jokingly, making Owen angrier than before. 

'Now she wants him to teach her. Oh, Owen, look how much you have fallen.' He lamented in his mind at his current situation.

After some seconds, he relaxed his face and turned his head to the side to face Cullen. "Congratulations. I guess you are now my trainer," he stretched forth his hand to Cullen for a shake as he spoke.

Cullen smiled, showcasing his perfect set of teeth and took his hand in a firm shake. "Thanks."

Withdrawing his hand, Owen said, "Okay, I have other business to tend to, I would take my leave first."

"Bye, brother."

Without replying, Owen pressed his heel hard against his horse and the animal ran fast, riding into the distance and out the forest.

"Now, when would you give me a few pointers, general?"

"Umm, I am afraid Your Highness already knows everything there is to know," Cullen replied shyly and adverted his gaze from hers quickly.

"Is that so…"

********

~LORELEI'S CHAMBERS~

Back at the palace, Lorelei is seen talking to a young girl. She wore a simple outfit and an apron on top her gown, the peculiar outfit of a serving girl. Her head was down as Lorelei spoke. Her hair was packed into a ponytail and woven into a single lock. 

"I have told you several times already, I do not want oat and eggs for breakfast. Have the kitchen send something else. Also, inform Lily to get my fruits ready an hour before my lunch, is that understood?"

"Yes, My Lady!"

"Good. You may leave," the young girl turned around ready to go but stopped when Lady Lorelei spoke again. "And take that dish away with you."

"Yes, my Lady." The girl bowed, stood straight, picked up the tray and left the room.

Some minutes after she left, another knock came in at the door.

"It is me," the familiar voice called out.

"Enter."

The way she spoke, her voice came out clear and void, carrying no emotion with it, just like how expressionless her face was at that moment.

The doors pushed open, to reveal a young girl in a dark green long-sleeved gown. She casually walked into the room, closing the door and smiled at Lorelei.

"Greetings, My Lady," she greeted her with a smile, before sloughing down on a chair close to her.

"I see you went against my words even after agreeing to it!"

"My Lady, I…"

"Save it, Amelia. He must have been great to have you scream and moan his name like that right? Too bad the Princess doesn't think so too."

"What!"